Classic Poem

Ingenious youth! whom Fame has yet forbore
To note among the fav'rites of her praise,
Lest Adulation should its flatt'ry pour
Upon the structure that thy skill must raise.

Bright as the tints that oft the canvas stains,
And variegated as their beauteous hues,
Is thy warm fancy;—fruitful as the plains
Of fragrent Eden, that rich sweets diffuse.

Ere Time enrolls thee in the vale of years,
Thy modest merit shall resplendent shine;
And timid Diffidence o'ercome its fears,
And spread its value like the tendril vine.
Each candid Artist shall thy works admire,
And emulative to such deeds aspire!